Dhaka: Convener of Nagorik Oikya Mahmudur Rahman Manna on Monday claimed that no government was such an oppressive one in last 48 years like the current government. He also said Ershad’s government was not so oppressive either.

‘Government is harassing and torturing people filing illegal cases whenever someone wages movement. The state has been turned into a police country’, he alleged.

Manna made these remarks while addressing a discussion meeting on the occasion of two parties - Sonar Bangla Party and Jonodol - joining the Juktro front at the Jatiya Press Club, reports the UNB.

Claiming that an anti-government unity is gaining momentum all over the country, Manna said, ‘People can’t apply their voting rights. Their votes have been cast by others before they could reach the polling station. In the name of voting, the country can’t be deceived. These deceptions have to be stopped. We want to establish effective democracy in the country through unity’.

Criticizing the activities of Election Commission (EC) the former vice president (VP) of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) said that in the name of election, the government staged a farce in 2014 and that time EC had helped government in organising it.

Manna further said that they have given 5-point demand from Juktofront for an acceptable election. He said BNP, Juktofront, and Nagorik Oikya yesterday (Sunday) announced a united movement.

Presided over by Sonar Bangla Party President Sheikh Abdur Noor, the meeting was also addressed by JSD (Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal) General Secretary Abdul Malek Ratan, Organizing Secretary Mosharraf Hossain, Bangladesh Janadal Chairman Mahbubur Rahman Joy Chowdhury and many others.